Candidates for Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure that has helped individuals in Kahului and Maui, Hawaii and around the country find relief from spider veins and small varicose veins. These venous conditions are embarrassing for a lot of people who suffer from them due to the unaesthetic appearance of the veins. Spider veins appear tangled and are discolored, while varicose veins also appeared tangled and discolored, but often bulge from the skin. While spider veins are not considered a medical concern like varicose veins, they may lead many to seek treatment to get rid of the embarrassing appearance of the veins.

Before receiving any treatment, though, patients should discuss their candidacy for various procedures with a Kahului and Maui vein specialist. Most individuals with spider veins or small varicose veins are considered candidates, although those with bleeding or cardiovascular problems may not be considered ideal candidates. Those with skin infections, vein thrombosis history, and those taking certain medications may also not be considered candidates. What's more, individuals who struggle to control their diabetes may not be considered candidates. The consultation stage of treatment is important to ensure the procedure is safe to provide relief from these venous conditions. Those with large varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other methods of treatment.

Sclerotherapy utilizes a chemical formulation that is injected into the problem veins. The sclerant irritates vessel walls, causing them to shrink and collapse so that blood may no longer flow through them. Other veins will take over blood flow. The treatment area will be sterilized and may be numbed prior to administering the injections. One injection is generally required for every inch of veins being treated, so the number of injections will be influenced by the size of the treatment area. Most procedures take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete, and there may be some light stinging and burning during the injections or immediately following them.

Patients may feel some itching and notice swelling and bruising around the treatment area following treatment, and may treat any discomfort with over-the-counter medications after they ensure that it is safe to take such medicines with their Kahului or Maui vein specialist. Most side effects go away on their own within a few days. Another sclerotherapy technique called foam sclerotherapy, which utilizes a foam formulation of the sclerant, may cause microembolisms in the treatment area. These risks and side effects are best discussed with a vein specialist.